Peace In Rivers

The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, has explained why he declined to constitute a seven-member panel to investigate Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, amid ongoing impeachment proceedings.

In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, Justice Amadi cited subsisting court orders restraining him from taking any action on the request by lawmakers.

The House of Assembly had, on January 16, invoked Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution and requested the Chief Judge to constitute a panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and his deputy, following the commencement of impeachment proceedings.

However, Governor Fubara and Prof. Odu separately approached the Oyibo Division of the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt, where they obtained interim injunctions restraining the Chief Judge from receiving, considering, or acting on any request or resolution from the Assembly relating to the constitution of the panel.

In his response dated January 20, Justice Amadi confirmed receipt of both the Assembly’s letter and the court orders.

“My office is in receipt of two separate court orders of interim injunction issued on 16th January, 2026 in two suits, restraining the 32nd Defendant, the Hon. Chief Judge of Rivers State, from receiving, forwarding, considering or howsoever acting on any request, resolution, articles of impeachment or other documents from the Rivers State House of Assembly for the purpose of constituting a panel to investigate the alleged misconduct,” he stated.

The Chief Judge noted that although the lawmakers had appealed the interim injunctions, the doctrine of lis pendens requires all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the appeals.

“Given the subsisting interim orders of injunction and the pending appeals, my hand is fettered. I am therefore legally disabled at this point from exercising my duties under Section 188(5) of the Constitution in this instance,” Justice Amadi said.

He emphasized the need for strict adherence to the rule of law and constitutional processes, stressing that all parties must obey court orders until they are set aside by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has publicly disassociated himself from branded caps and T-shirts circulating on social media, which allegedly promote his candidacy for the 2027 general elections. The governor expressed dismay over the campaign materials, stating he was both shocked and angered by the viral footage and firmly denied authorizing their production.

Speaking in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Governor Fubara reiterated his administration’s focus on restoring peace and stability across the state, emphasizing that political distractions at this time are unwarranted. He called on his supporters and the general public to prioritize unity, good governance, and development over premature political ambitions.

“My priority is to build a peaceful and progressive Rivers State. I have not endorsed any campaign activity or material for 2027. Our focus must remain on delivering the mandate entrusted to us by the people,” Fubara stated.

His remarks come in the wake of a reconciliation meeting facilitated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at resolving the political tensions between Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The governor reaffirmed his commitment to the peace accord reached at the Presidential Villa, stressing that the collective interest of the state must come before personal or political interests.

“Our duty is to serve the people. Let us set aside all forms of distractions and work together to ensure that Rivers State continues to progress in unity,” he added.

Fubara’s statement signals a renewed focus on governance and reconciliation as the state seeks lasting political stability.

After several months of political unrest and factional disputes in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, have officially declared an end to their conflict, assuring citizens that peace has been restored.

The reconciliation followed a high-level meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Thursday night. The session, which included key stakeholders, resulted in a mutual agreement to collaborate for the stability and progress of the state.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, expressed gratitude for the resolution, stating:

“I give God the glory that today, June 26, 2025, peace has finally returned to Rivers State. We have all agreed to work harmoniously with the governor, and he has also agreed to work with everyone. We remain members of the same political family.”

Wike acknowledged that political disagreements are inevitable but emphasized that the rift had been conclusively resolved.

“As in every human relationship, conflicts arise, but there also comes a time for reconciliation. Today marks that turning point. We have come to brief Mr. President on our resolution. The crisis is over. I urge everyone to work together—there is no more acrimony,” he said.

Governor Fubara also addressed the media, highlighting the significance of the reconciliation for the state’s development.

“For me, this is a significant moment. The peace we have achieved tonight is essential for the progress of Rivers State. With the intervention of Mr. President and the collective agreement of our leaders, peace has been restored.”

He pledged to uphold the peace moving forward, describing it as a critical step toward sustainable development and effective governance in the oil-rich state.

“We will do everything within our capacity to maintain this peace. It is the foundation for lasting stability and prosperity in Rivers State,” Fubara affirmed.

The truce signals a new chapter for Rivers State politics, with both leaders committed to unity and cooperation for the benefit of their constituents.